Friday, May 31, 2013

Day 151 - Visited the Hunger Site

Another blogger mentioned the Hunger Site so today I went to check it out.  The Hunger Site uses sponsors and advertising revenue to provide food for the hungry via Mercy Corps, Feeding America (formerly America's Second Harvest), and Millennium Promise.  According to the site, 220,000 individuals from around the world visit the site each day.  Since its inception, visitors at The Hunger Site and shoppers at The Hunger Site store have given more than 856 million cups of food.

The Hunger Site was just the beginning, and other similar sites using "click revenue" have been created with the same purpose.  So during my site visit, I was able to help empower a women, help Americans get back to work, supported the needy, give stay-at-home parents more credit, and helped stop lenders from profiting off the unemployed.

Day 151 - Visited The Hunger Site





Thursday, May 30, 2013

Day 150 - Supported Robin on the Roof

This morning while driving the girls to school I heard an interview with a women named Robin Evans in a town about an hour from us.  Tomorrow, for the 4th year in a row, Robin will be climbing onto the roof of the First United Methodist Church of Kennedale and she's not coming down until she collects 75,000 pounds of food for area food banks!  They call the event Robin on the Roof.

1 out of 6 Americans are affected by hunger. Our local food pantries have tripled in the number of families utilizing them. They are finding that these families are needing assistance on the average of 7 months out of the year. The greatest population that is affected are the children and the elderly. In 2011 close to 50 million Americans lived in "food insecure" households (that's 33.5 million adults and 16.7 million children). From 2009-2011, Texas was the 3rd highest state for household insecurity.

Last year Robin collected over 50,000 pounds in less than 75 hours which made a wonderful impact at the local pantries.  People wishing to support Robin can drop off food at her location in Kennedale, Texas or make a PayPal donation online.  $1 = 5 pounds of food.

Robin is an ICU Nurse by profession but has a passion for ending hunger and a heart for those in need. 

So for today's random act of kindness I donated 50 pounds of food to Robin on the Roof.  Stay safe up there Robin!

Day 150 - Supported Robin on the Roof


Wednesday, May 29, 2013

Day 149 - Left Laundry Supplies at the Laundromat

For today's random act of kindness the girls and I took some spot treatment and some laundry detergent and left them at the local coin-operated laundromat.  Hope these maybe help that person who forgets their detergent or has a stubborn stain they can't get out.

Day 149 - Laundry supplies to the laundromat



Tuesday, May 28, 2013

Day 148 - Thanked a Principal

With the school year coming to an end next week I thought it was the perfect time to thank the girls' principal.  I think quite often principals are forgotten or sometimes overlooked in those end of year gifts and acts of appreciation.

This was the very first year of the girls' school so I applaud all the administrative and support staff for working through the bumps and growing pains.  I think it has been a very successful first year and I know they have all worked extremely hard.  Their principal definitely had her hands full with demanding parents and controversial situations this year but she always seemed to handle things in a very diplomatic manner.  Her dedication to the school and the students is apparent.

So for today's random act of kindness I sent their principal an anonymous Groupon for some relaxing spa services (if you haven't already noticed I love combining Groupon with random acts).  Hopefully she'll have a relaxing and laid back summer before getting back to work in the Fall.

Day 148 - Thanked a principal





Monday, May 27, 2013

146 - Supported the Arts

Today the girls and I had a girls' day.  We grabbed some lunch, went swimming and enjoyed the movie Epic.  It was a wonderfully animated movie and the detail and work that went behind it is hard to imagine.  When major films come out it's so easy to forget the hours, weeks, and even years of creating and work that have gone into the 1 1/2 hour film.  As well as all the behind the scenes people that made it happen.

Although I was more into sports in high school and college I definitely acknowledge the arts as such an integral component to becoming a well-rounded individual and allowing for that avenue of self expression.  Whether it's painting, music, cooking, theater or any other form I think it's so important for everyone to experiment with different artistic outlets.

I also love that the girls' school puts an emphasis on the arts and their importance.  From kindergarten they are exposed to foreign language, music, theater and art weekly and I think it's wonderful.  So many schools these days, due to budgeting constraints, are cutting these important classes and the children are the ones that inevitably suffer.

So for today's random act of kindness I contributed to and supported the YoungArts Foundation.  The National YoungArts Foundation identifies and supports the next generation of artists, and contributes to the cultural vitality of the nation by investing in the artistic development of talented young artists in the visual, literary and performing arts.

To date, YoungArts has honored more than 17,000 young artists with over $6 million in monetary awards; facilitated in excess of $150 million in college scholarship opportunities; and enabled its participants to work with master teachers who are among the most distinguished artists in the world.

I don't know if Kailey or Ryan will have a passion in the arts but if they do I hope there continue to be groups and organizations like YoungArts to support and encourage them as much as we will.

Day 146 - Supported the Arts




Sunday, May 26, 2013

Day 147 - Supported Veterans

Today is Memorial Day and although I will be spending most of the day lounging by the pool and grilling out I wanted to first remember why I am able to enjoy today.  I appreciate all the service men and women who work hard every day to protect our country and pray for all the families who have lost loved ones.  I think thanking those who are currently serving is very important but we must also remember our veterans.  Having spent some time working in a university hospital system and visiting a local VA hospital it became evident that we really need to do more to support our veteran services and what we provide after a solider has returned home.

One of those organizations looking to make a difference is Soldiers' AngelsSoldiers' Angels is a volunteer-led nonprofit with the mission to provide aid and comfort to the men and women of the United States Army, Marines, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, and their families and to enable their volunteers to improve the lives of a growing veteran population.

The Soldiers Angels Veteran Affairs Support Team assists patients at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs medical centers, nursing homes and Stand Downs.  This support can range from visiting patients to providing comfort items and clothing, to sponsoring special events like BBQs or assisting VA facilities with large-scale efforts to improve in-patients' quality of life.

So for today's random act of kindness I made a donation to the Soldiers' Angels organization and their efforts.  I know they are making a difference in the lives of veterans and their families and wish them continued success!!

Day 147 - Supported veterans



Saturday, May 25, 2013

Day 145 - Volunteered in Moore

After the devastation in Moore our church contacted another church in Norman, Oklahoma that was organizing volunteer efforts to help in the community.  A group of 10 of us met at the church this morning and headed out to Moore.  It was about a 3 hour drive and once we arrived we signed in as a group to receive an assignment for the day.

The first couple of hours in the morning we moved supplies from the church into a huge makeshift supply tent outside the church that was the size of a football field.  Around lunch time we were assigned to a home that had been affected by the tornado.  We spent the rest of the day cleaning up debris, cutting down huge 100 year old trees and visiting with the family that had been affected.

It was a rewarding experience and to drive through the town and see the outpouring of support on every corner was amazing.  You couldn't go a block without seeing tents with groups passing out free food, supplies and assistance to those who had been displaced due to the storm.  It was wonderful to see how many people had come out to help, traveled hours to volunteer or who were bringing supplies.

Day 145 - Volunteered in Moore, OK






Friday, May 24, 2013

Day 144 - Voted to Protect the Rhinos

The Global Impact Challenge supports British non-profits using technology to tackle the world's toughest problems. The 10 finalists are in and people can vote for their favorite project until May 31st.  The fan favorite will win a 500,000 pound grant from Google.

Wildlife crime is one of the largest illegal trades in the world. Rhino poaching increased by over 40% from 2011-2012, posing a real threat to communities and tourism operations that depend on wildlife. Over two years, The Zoological Society of London plans to reduce poaching incidents in a threatened Kenyan protected area by 50%, providing greater protection for endangered rhinos, elephants, and more. Ultimately, increased awareness of effective patrols will deter poachers, reduce threats and increase security for local community groups and wildlife rangers.

The Zoological Society of London's (ZSL) project will use next generation camera traps, equipped with automated sensors, to better protect threatened wildlife. Sensors will be able to instantaneously transmit alerts of gunfire, vehicle movement and human presence.

So for today's random act of kindness I voted for the ZSL and their project to protect threatened wildlife.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=PVuodCfYpX4 

Day 144 - Voted to protect threatened wildlife 


 

 

 


Thursday, May 23, 2013

Day 143 - Appreciated a Teacher

So today is Kailey's teacher's birthday and I know this because Kailey has been reminding me for the last 2 weeks :).  She's been calling this her "Happy Day"...Kailey's happy day that is.  She had a count down going and has been very specific on what she wanted to get her.  Yellow flowers, candy and a card.  I understand flowers and candy are pretty cliche but Kailey was adamant so we went with it.

Her teacher is such an amazing person, has been a huge blessing to our family, and deserves to be celebrated all day today.  I'm sure the rest of her students and parents will spoil her rotten!  Happy Birthday Ms. V.!  Hope you have a wonderful birthday.

Day 143 - Appreciated a teacher 


"Great teachers empathize with kids, respect them, and believe that each one has something special that can be built upon."  - Ann Lieberman


Wednesday, May 22, 2013

Day 142 - Sports Drinks, Diapers and Formula for Moore, OK

In the aftermath of the horrific tornado that ripped through Moore, Oklahoma a couple of days ago there are a lot of folks in need.  Our church has partnered with a church in Norman, OK and has put together a two-day drive to collect specific items most in need for the residents of Moore (sports drinks, formula, baby diapers and baby wipes). 

So for today's random act of kindness the girls and I headed to Walgreens after school and grabbed some sports drinks, diapers and formula to take to the church.  It is devastating to see pictures of the damage and think of all those families and individuals that have been affected.  I really hope these supplies help to fill some of the need in that community.  We are thinking and praying for everyone in Moore and all the first responders and emergency organizations that are assisting them.

Day 142 - Supplies for Moore, OK




Tuesday, May 21, 2013

Day 141 - Supported Run Now and The One Fund

Being somewhat of a runner, and I use that term extremely loosely, I definitely appreciate all the running community is doing to support those affected by the tragic events at the Boston Marathon. The One Fund Boston is one of these efforts.

The One Fund Boston was established through the generosity of businesses, foundations and individual donors. It was created at the request of Boston Mayor Thomas M. Menino and Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick. The Victim Relief Fund of The One Fund Boston will be used to assist those families of the victims who were killed and the victims who were most seriously affected as a result of the tragic events during the Boston Marathon on April 15, 2013.

Another fundraising effort that has be established is Run Now.  It is a pledge drive that has been developed to encourage people to pledge to run as many miles as possible before National Running Day on June 5th, 2013.  In addition to pledging miles individuals are able to make financial donations and/or purchase items to support Run Now and The One Fund.  

So for today's random act of kindness I pledged to run 20 miles between now and June 5th and I purchased 5 Run Now bracelets to support The One Fund.

Day 141 - Supported Run Now and The One Fund


Monday, May 20, 2013

Day 140 - Donated $10 in OK Storm Relief

Today a horrific tornado hit Moore, Oklahoma close to Oklahoma City.  It was at least an EF4 and possibly an EF5.  They said the debris field was over 2 1/2 miles across.  Unfortunately homes, businesses, a hospital and even a school were destroyed.  Currently there are 51 deaths (at least 20 are children) and over 24 children are still missing from the school.  Heartbreaking.

When tragedies like this occur, especially close to home, it's very easy to feel helpless when you want to help but don't want to impede search and rescue efforts.  Luckily there is presently a very easy way to help those in need that is immediate.  You can text FOOD to 32333 to donate $10 in storm relief.  This can help with immediate needs, search and rescue and care and supplies for survivors as well as first responders.

So for today's random act of kindness I donated $10 in storm relief and continue to pray for the 24 missing children from Plaza Towers Elementary.  So sad.

Day 140 - Storm relief for Moore, OK


Sunday, May 19, 2013

Day 139 - Signed a Petition to Fight Hunger & Oppose Congress

Hunger in this country is a heartbreaking issue.  The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) provides low-income families with the financial assistance they need to purchase food. SNAP is the United States' most successful anti-hunger program; close to 47 million low-income Americans used SNAP funds (also known as food stamps) to meet their most basic nutritional needs.

But on May 15, the House Agriculture Committee approved a sweeping Farm Bill that would trim the $80 billion-a-year food stamp program dramatically. The House bill would cut about $2.5 billion a year — or a little more than 3 percent —from the domestic food aid program, which is used by one in seven Americans. More than two million people would be dropped from the program under the House plan, according to a congressional estimate. 

While the need for cuts to federal programs is undeniable, hunger funding is simply an area that cannot be slashed. The full Senate is expected to start work on the bill in late May; house action is expected this summer. Current programs expire September 30. We have done such a great job of reducing the instances of severe hunger here in the U.S., and now isn't the time to fall back on that progress.  

So for today's random act of kindness I signed a petition to House Agriculture Committee Chairman Frank Lucas asking him to not pass the Farm Bill with such devastating cuts built in.

Day 139 -  Signed a Petition 




 

Saturday, May 18, 2013

Day 138 - Hosted a Picnic

I LOVE all of my daycare children and their families.  We are blessed to have a wonderful group of caring and compassionate individuals.  They appreciate me all throughout the year in a million different ways.  The most meaningful way to me is the consideration they all show for my family and our family time.

So to show my appreciation I always like to do something nice for the families at the end of each school year.  This year we decided on a family picnic at a local Nature Preserve.  We had a wonderful picnic area completely shaded next to a great playground.  The kids and parents seemed to have a good time and it was so nice to feed them and just say thanks!

Day 138 - Picnic to thank my daycare families


Friday, May 17, 2013

Day 137 - Answered Questions to Donate Rice

Freerice is a non-profit website that is owned by and supports the United Nations World Food Program.

Freerice has two goals:
  • Provide education to everyone for free.
  • Help end world hunger by providing rice to hungry people for free.
For each answer you get right the United Nations World Food Program donates 10 grains of rice.

So for today's random act of kindness I answered 20 correct questions and donated 200 grains of rice to feed the hungry.  What a wonderful site and what a wonderful cause!

Day 137 - Donated rice



Thursday, May 16, 2013

Day 136 - Left Seller Feedback

The girls had a birthday in April, they have had numerous birthday parties to attend and with the end of the school year quickly approaching it has been the season of gift giving.  I love Etsy so a huge majority of my shopping for gifts has come from that site.  Etsy is an e-commerce website focused on handmade or vintage items as well as art and craft supplies. These items cover a wide range including art, photography, clothing, jewelry, food, bath and beauty products, quilts, knick-knacks, and toys.

It's the perfect site to find that perfect, personalized gift for anyone in your life.  So although I may do a lot of buying on the site I'm not so great about leaving feedback for the sellers I've worked with.  So for today's random act of kindness I went to Etsy and left feedback for nearly a dozen sellers.  I'm sure they appreciate me finally getting around to leaving that feedback and I hope it helps other buyers see how amazing some of these sellers and their products are!!  Being a small business owner myself I definitely appreciate the hard work that goes into starting a business and I love seeing folks succeed in their own small business.  Handmade gifts are the greatest!!

Day 136 - Feedback for Etsy

Wednesday, May 15, 2013

Day 135 - Paid for Someone's Burger and Fries

We were out running errands tonight and had recently received a coupon for Mooyah Burgers so decided to stop for dinner.  The girls headed straight for the chalkboard wall while Chris and I went to order.  In front of us ordering was a boy, maybe 17 or 18 years old.  Apparently something happened with his card and he wasn't able to pay for his food.  He headed outside and was on his phone.  Later we found out he was calling for his dad to come to the restaurant to pay for his food.  Chris went straight out to him and told him not to worry about his meal and that we would cover it. 

He was a little apprehensive at first and said no but then allowed us to buy his meal.  After he picked up his food he came over to our table and was very appreciative and a member of the staff even made a comment about the gesture.  I think that's the wonderful thing about these random acts.  They always present themselves at unique times, you never know who's watching, and sometimes they are able to touch even more than the person they are performed for.

Day 135 - Mooyah for a teenager

 

Tuesday, May 14, 2013

Day 134 - Ran for Charity

So I saw another blogger post about the running app Charity Miles so went to check it out.  There are so many running apps out there but this one actually donates money to a charity of your choice and all you have to do is log those miles!

It's so easy!  Bikers earn 10¢ a mile and walkers and runners earn 25¢ a mile so after my 4 mile run today I had raised $1 without opening my wallet.  How easy is that?!?  In a couple of weeks I will start training for the Baltimore Marathon in October and I know those training runs and miles will very quickly add up for charity. 

So for today's random act I chose to run for Habitat for Humanity.  Habitat's mission believes that every man, woman and child should have a decent, safe and affordable place to live. They build and repair houses all over the world using volunteer labor and donations.  What an amazing organization to support and I'm getting a little exercise at the same time.  Can't beat that!

Day 134 - Ran for charity




Monday, May 13, 2013

Day 133 - Supported Prevent Child Abuse Arizona

I read this article and it was heartbreaking!!  Tom Leigh, general manager, and Tony Burris, assistant manager at Captain Crossfit, say money they raised for Prevent Child Abuse Arizona was stolen, but efforts have surpassed the fundraiser’s total with help from boaters on a social media forum.

To think someone could steal fundraising money intended for an organization that aims to prevent child abuse and neglect by focusing on new parents and partnering with many local agencies almost makes you lose faith in humanity.  But then all hope is quickly restored.  Once the story of the stolen fundraising money was shared on a social media site for boaters donations starting pouring in.

"Soon letters with checks and PayPal donations started streaming in to Captain CrossFit from more than 35 RiverDave'sPlace.com members across the country who donated an additional $5,478.42 to Prevent Child Abuse Arizona."

"This restored my faith in humanity," Leigh said. "People may not think that one person can make a difference, but they can. And when people work together they can do something amazing like this." 

So for today's random act I decided to cheer on humanity and Tom and Tony and make a donation to Prevent Child Abuse Arizona.  I'm so sorry your money was stolen but it's so amazing to see the wonderful outpouring of support that has come as a result.  There are a lot of good people in this world!!

 Day 133 - Supported Prevent Child Abuse Arizona




 

Sunday, May 12, 2013

Day 132 - Supported Protect Children, Not Guns

Sadly, within an hour of our home, over the last 3 days we have had 2 incidents of children shooting children.  One was a little 2 year old boy that found a gun and shot himself Thursday with his dad within feet of him.  The second was a 5 year old that was shot by an 8 year old.  The 2 year old boy sadly passed away and the 5 year old is still in critical condition.

A child or teen dies or is injured from guns every 30 minutes. Gun violence saturates our children’s lives. More children and teens die from guns every three days than died in the Newtown massacre. The number of children under 5 killed by guns in 2010 was more than the number of law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty that same year.

It saddens me to the core that our country continues to lose children to gun violence.  Gun violence in general is just completely out of control and some of it is 100% preventable in my eyes.

So for today's random act of kindness I supported the Protect Children, Not Guns program initiated but the Children's Defense Fund.

Their campaign is aimed to stand up, speak out, and organize with urgency and persistence until the President, members of Congress, Governors and state legislators protect children instead of guns. Every child’s life is sacred and it is long past time that we pass common sense gun safety regulations to protect all our children.

Day 132 - Supported Protect Children, Not Gun

Saturday, May 11, 2013

Day 131 - Ran Like a Mother to Support Frisco Family Services


I'm so excited that the girls are #1 old enough to be able to run at least a mile and #2 enjoy doing races with me.  I don't know if this will last but I sure hope it does!  It's such a fun experience to share with them and what a great foundation of health it's creating in their lives.

So to celebrate Mother's Day this year the girls and I, along with a couple of friends, decided to Run Like a Mother and make a donation to a wonderful organization!!  This is an annual 1 mile and 5k race Mother's Day weekend to celebrate mothers but also support Frisco Family Services.  We have done a few random acts in the past for them and I can't say enough about their services and what they do for this community.

Because Frisco Family Services was the charity partner you were able to donate 100% to their organization during registration or the day of the event.  

Day 131 - Ran Like a Mother for Frisco Family Services








Friday, May 10, 2013

Day 130 - Supported Adrianne

I heard about Adrianne Haslet's story through a friend on Facebook and was touched.

Adrianne Haslet and her husband Adam Davis were both severely injured (Adrianne lost a foot) in the Boston Marathon bombing. They were enjoying a beautiful day off together. Adam just returned from a tour of duty in Afghanistan a couple of weeks ago and Adrianne was on her normal day off from her work as a Dance Instructor at the Boston location of the Arthur Murray Dance Studio. The day turned to tragedy for so many, as we all know.
 

To show Adrianne and Adam that their friends and loved ones are here for them and will support them through the pain and suffering Adrianne's coworkers created a fundraising page.  So for today's random act of kindness I donated to Adrianne's page.

From the page:

She is a dear, dear friend and incredible member of our staff. We are certain that if she wants to, she will dance again. She is one tough cookie and an inspiration to us all.


Day 130 - Supported Adrianne


  



Thursday, May 9, 2013

Day 129 - Supported Give Out Day

It's May 9th, and today Americans across the nation are coming together for 24 hours of unprecedented giving. It's one extraordinary day to support the organizations that work on behalf of the LGBTQ community.

I truly believe that regardless of where we stand politically or religiously everyone needs to be accepted, respected, and know they are loved.  We strive to instill these beliefs in our children daily. I desperately hope and pray for a world free of prejudice, discrimination, and hatred.

Most organizations involved in Give Out Day equally envision a world free of sexual exploitation, alcohol and drug abuse, bullying and harassment, homelessness, and suicide. A world where social skills, continuing education, and employment are emphasized as vital keys to personal success and are available on a non-discriminatory basis.  A world free of prejudice, discrimination, and the fear of personal attacks and other forms of violence and hatred. A world where the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of all people are priorities.  What a wonderful world that would be.

So for today's random act of kindness I supported an organization that stands up for those that are fighting unnecessary battles every day.  

Day 129 - Supported Give Out Day


Wednesday, May 8, 2013

Day 128 - Free Kibble for Animal Shelters

The girls have been begging us for another dog.  It's been a couple of years since we had our awesome English bulldog Duncan and the girls still talk about him.  We are probably a few years away from another dog but we still love to visit our local animal shelter to get our weekly or monthly fix.

Animal shelters are definitely amazing places.  The people that work there have such adoration for animals and are emotionally invested in seeing them be adopted.  They take such great care of these animals, some of which had previously been severely mistreated.  Unfortunately, many of these animal shelters don't have the funding to take on as many animals as they would like.  This is sometimes due to a lack of supplies to care for and feed the pets. 

So for today's random act I will be playing trivia and donating free kibble at the same time.  There is a website called Free Kibble (and its' sister site, Free Kibble Kat) where each day you can answer a trivia question about dogs and cats, and for each correct questions, 10 pieces of kibble is donated to animal shelters around the country.  What a great and easy way to support these wonderful organizations.

Day 128 - Trivia for kibble

Just for fun pictures of the girls with Duncan






Tuesday, May 7, 2013

Day 127 - Supported Running Joe

I played sports in high school but was never a runner.  I didn't really start running until 2002 and since then have done around 50+ races ranging from 5ks to 3 full marathons.  I enjoy the quietness of it and just being alone with my thoughts.  I am definitely not a fast runner but I do enjoy it and what a great stress reliever for me.  I also admire those who can run marathon after marathon, race after race and train year round.  One of those individuals is Running Joe.  Joe is on a mission to raise awareness about our nation's obesity epidemic and to be an example of health and perseverance.

Joseph Lee Ortiz a.k.a. Running Joe is a veteran of the United States Navy.  Due to the physical toll of active duty, as well as a car accident, Joe suffered from hip and back pain that "took control of his life."  In 2010, Joe decided to make a change and began running, which surprisingly left him with little to no pain.  When he saw the benefits that running had on his well-being and health, he decided he would make a habit of it.

He has run 4 ultra marathons, 16 marathons, in 6 different states, 11 Half Marathons, and countless other runs ranging from 5k to 15k setting personal records in each race over the last couple years.  In the Summer of 2014 or 2015 Joe and his fellow Veteran Shawn will set forth on one of the greatest adventures of a lifetime by running from Deadhorse, Alaska to Key West, Florida in what they have coined "The Great North American Adventure" to raise funds for the Wounded Warrior Project and another foundation yet to be determined.  

So for today's random act of kindness I left some encouraging words on Joe's Facebook page and I am also purchasing one of his wristbands to support The Wounded Warrior project.  Good luck Joe!  I will be following you along your journey. 

Words from Joe:

“The only thing stopping you from achieving your goals; is what looks back at you in the mirror every day. The only limitations you truly have are the ones you place on yourself. Live without limits, and aim big!”


Day 127 - Supported Running Joe


Monday, May 6, 2013

Day 126 - Mother's Day Baskets for Children's Hospital

Before the girls were born we were told to anticipate them spending some time in the NICU because they were multiples.  Luckily our surrogate was a superstar and carried them to term and even induction.  Rockstar!  The girls were actually born on a small military base and therefore the hopsital only had a NICU.  So even though they were both extremely healthy we did get to spend 2 days getting to know the NICU nurses and physicians and did see quite a few babies that were not as healthy as ours.  We were very lucky and left after 2 days with big healthy babies while some parents had spent weeks and even months in the hospital watching their little ones fight before we arrived, and would be staying after we left.

So having been through that experience, and knowing many moms and dads that have spent hour after hour in a hospital room with their children, we knew this random act was for us.

I am part of a local moms' Facebook group called Frisco Moms.  The group is moderated by a mom of two named Cate Biggs.  She has done a wonderful job putting together amazing fundraisers and compassion events for so many in our community.  The group is always ready and willing to volunteer and jump in with both feet when there is a need.  Cate decided for Mother's Day to collect gift baskets to deliver to 60 mothers with children in the pediatric cardio unit of a local hospital and 40 baskets for general population mothers.  These are Bath & Body Works gift baskets to let the moms know that we are thinking of them and their children.  Just a little something to make them feel special on their special day.

So for today's random act of kindness I donated a gift basket for one of the mothers.

Thank you Cate for putting this all together.  Your compassion and hard work will not only bless the 100 moms, and their families, that receive these baskets on Sunday but also the other 100 moms, and their families, that donated to this wonderful cause.  Keep up the amazing work Frisco Moms!!  You are all bringing our community closer one small act at a time.

"Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around."
- Leo Buscaglia 


Day 126 - Mother's Day gift basket